Dolphin Head Mountains

The Dolphin Head range rises to around five hundred metres inland of Lucea, a block of limestone hills covered in wet forest, and it holds a remarkable concentration of endemic plants for its size: surveys have found dozens of species restricted to Jamaica and several found only in these hills. It is a protected area on paper with little management on the ground, and access is on farm tracks and footpaths with local guides.

The landscape

• The endemic plants - species restricted to Jamaica and several to these hills alone.
• The wet limestone forest - closed canopy over karst hills.
• The bird species - Jamaican endemics including parrots and the Jamaican tody.
• The hill views - the Hanover coast and countryside from the ridges.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the best for walking. Early morning is best for birds. The tracks are muddy and slippery after rain.

Before you go

There is no visitor infrastructure, no marked trails and no interpretation. Access needs a local guide arranged in advance. Clearance for farming continues to reduce the forest.

Nearby

Lucea is north on the coast, and Negril is southwest.

Key facts